Unexcused Absences - Nursing Programs
All absences, tardy arrivals, and notifications are subject to faculty review and documentation. Failure to comply with attendance requirements may result in remediation, academic probation, or dismissal from the nursing program.
Students are expected to maintain open communication with instructors and demonstrate professionalism in managing their attendance and responsibilities.
Lecture Class, Clinical Location & Simulation Lab Unexcused Absences
NOTE: Clinical activities replicate professional nursing responsibilities and must be treated with the same level of accountability expected in the healthcare workforce. Punctuality, preparation, and accountability are required at all times.
- Students are allowed a maximum of three (3) unexcused absences in didactic/lecture class.
- Students are allowed a maximum of three (3) unexcused absences in the clinical location and simulation lab combined.
- Students who miss class for an unexcused reason will receive a zero for any missed assignments.
- More than three unexcused absences will result in course failure.
- Students must notify their instructor of an absence a minimum of 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Tardiness is recorded when arrival is more than 15 minutes past the start time.
- Tardiness is recorded if the student leaves class with more than 15 minutes remaining.
- Three instances of tardiness will be recorded as one unexcused absence.
- A tardy arrival may only be excused in extreme circumstances (e.g., car accident, flat tire) and must be approved by the Director of Nursing. Documentation may be required.
- There are no make-up opportunities for unexcused clinical or simulation absences.
Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
- Vehicle Problems/Traffic Problems (undocumented)
- Childcare issues
- Illness or injury without a signed physician’s notice
- Work Conflicts
- Oversleeping
- Death of a non-immediate family member
- Miscommunication – You are responsible for obtaining email acknowledgements from faculty verifying any changes to your attendance.